Current directing zipper head

ABSTRACT

A zipper head capable of directing an electric current to function as an on/off switch for an electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a zipper head that directs current and functions as an electronic on/off switch for convenience, entertainment, and safety.

2. Prior Art

Decorative zipper pulls have been in existence since the invention of the zipper. Zipper pulls are primarily used to facilitate the opening and closing of the zipper itself while remaining aesthetically pleasing. However, they do little else. They are generally made from plastics or metals and pleasingly shaped. Often, they are designed to display a company logo or trademark. Decorative aftermarket zipper pulls can also be purchased that are functioning timepieces or display a company logo, trademark, or advertising message. Presently the opening and closing of a zipper does nothing but facilitate the putting on or removal of clothing.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

An electronic device zipper pull attached to a current directing zipper head electronic switch, improves upon existing designs by allowing for an optical or mechanical display that functions automatically when the zipper is in use. When the accompanying electronic device produces light, it can function as a safety device. It will call attention to a zipper pull, especially one designed as a company logo, trademark, or advertising message. The concept of the present invention is quite simple and therefore inexpensive.

SUMMARY

The present invention, as claimed, is a decorative electronic fashion accessory. It is intended as an entertaining and attractive addition to wearing apparel. A current directing zipper head manufactured from a combination of conducting and non-conducting materials, such as metal and plastic, acts as a switch using the metal teeth of a zipper to complete the circuit and close the switch. The zipper teeth can all be made of conducting material to complete the circuit and close the switch at any position on the closed zipper. The zipper teeth can be partially made of a conduction material, to close the switch when the current directing zipper head reaches certain positions. The zipper teeth can also be made of non-conducting materials while the zipper “top stop” at the top is metal to complete the circuit and close the switch only when the zipper is in a fully closed position.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an accompanying electronic or mechanical device can only function when the zipper is in a closed or partially dosed position.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

Drawings and a detailed description of a specific embodiment of the invention is described below:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of the current directing zipper head and zipper pull of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of the underside of the perspective zipper head in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1-2—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A current directing zipper head switch, constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates the current directing zipper head switch comprising generally a zipper head 3, a zipper pull cradle 1, current conducting components 2 and 10 coming through the top portion of the zipper head 3 to the zipper pull cradle 1, a non-current carrying zipper pull 5, and current conducting components of the zipper pull 4 and 9. A power source 7 is connected to a current conducting component of the zipper pull 9. An electronic device 8 is connected to the other current conducting component of the zipper pull 4.

FIG. 2 illustrates the underside of the top portion of the current directing zipper head switch 11. The teeth divider 12 holds the two sides of the zipper itself apart and correctly aligns the teeth to lock together as the zipper head is pulled upward. The power source is connected to current conducting component 10 via the zipper pull. When a current carrying portion of the zipper is fed through the zipper head, the space between current carrying components 2 and 10 is bridged and the current is directed into current carrying component 2. This closes the switch and completes the circuit. The current is directed through component 2 and into the zipper pull to power the electronic device. It is important to note that the current carrying components 2 and 10 can be positioned in a variety of orientations, and still direct the current effectively. For example, men's and women's garments close in opposite direction; the current carrying components 2 and 10 would have to be placed accordingly.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Thus the reader will see that the current directing zipper head of the invention provides a highly reliable, small, lightweight, and economical electronic on/off switch that can be used by persons of all ages for decoration, convenience, entertainment, advertising, and safety. While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example said current directing zipper pull is intended to have aesthetic appeal and could be designed in an unlimited number of shapes, colors, and sizes. 

1. A zipper head device, capable of directing an electric current, functioning as an electronic switch, comprising: (a) a zipper head, made from a non-current carrying material, such as plastic; and (b) a minimum of two pieces of current carrying material, such as metal.
 2. The zipper head device according to claim 1, wherein said zipper head is removable from the teeth or body of the zipper.
 3. The zipper head device according to claim 1, further including a current directing zipper pull made from a combination of non-current carrying material, such as plastic and a current carrying material, such as metal to deliver current to an electronic or mechanical device.
 4. The zipper head device according to claim 1, wherein said zipper head is directly attached to an electronic or mechanical device. 